4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:47 pm on 22 September 2020.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 3:47, 22 September 2020

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. I know that Caroline and myself had the same problem at the time of the last election, when we were perhaps sometimes confused for each other, certainly in writing. 

Three things from me, Minister. First, you mentioned already the signposts—the review points, as it were—in the process. Could you give us some indication of what you will be looking for in 14 days, when you take your decision as to whether or not to extend these restrictions in this form or not, so that we can have an idea of what signs you are looking for in order to decide whether restrictions should be kept, or whether they should be made more restrictive or, indeed, loosened?

Secondly, I have a concern, as public houses and bars shut after 11 p.m., that there will be a temptation for some people, especially young people, to just go on to house parties. Now, we know, of course, that house parties are a particular risk as we see people mixing very closely with each other. Alcohol is involved, so we know that social distancing tends to break down. What messages are you preparing to give out about the dangers of house parties replacing pubs in that regard?

Thirdly, just a plea to make sure that, when an announcement is made, the guidance is made available as soon as possible. My colleague the Member for Ogmore and myself were lucky in the sense that, when we had enquiries from constituents, we were able to point or signpost them to the RCT guidance. But, just a plea to make sure that the guidance is made available as quickly as possible, so that those of us who are affected as Members are able to provide the right level of advice to constituents.